RWNEFE -Chapter 546 Shen Family in Full Swing

“An old saying goes: when fighting tigers, brothers fight side by side; when on the battlefield, father and son fight together. It’s because my brothers are stationed outside that I can sit securely here in the capital, enjoying this family banquet with my loved ones.”

The Shen family members all smiled, but none dared to speak much.

Experience had taught them that as long as they didn’t make any unnecessary moves, Shen Lanxi would do nothing to them—they were her most honored imperial relatives.

“Your Majesty works tirelessly, worried for the nation and the people. Truly, it is the blessing of our Great Zhou,” Shen Conglian said with a smile.

Shen Lanxi replied, “Thanks to Second Uncle recruiting soldiers, Third Uncle raising warhorses, Fourth Uncle managing supplies—because of you uncles’ efforts on the march, the frontlines remain secure. I offer you a cup in respect!”

The three uncles mentioned immediately felt honored and lifted their cups.

“It’s only by Your Majesty’s generosity that we hold positions in the army,” they said. Previously in the capital, their status relied at most on their eldest brother’s small business.

Now, from merchants to meritorious officials, all was because of Shen Lanxi.

“In the future, the prosperity and growth of the Shen family still depends on grandmother and the uncles’ guidance!”

Hearing this, the Shen family gradually relaxed, laughter filling the air.

The old matriarch’s eyes twinkled. “The children prepared a performance at home, wanting to present it to Your Majesty Auntie.”

Shen Lanxi immediately instructed that the musicians be moved aside to make space for the children to perform.

“Your Majesty Auntie, I can do martial arts!”

“Your Majesty Auntie, I can sing!”

“Your Majesty Auntie, I can recite poetry!”

One by one, the children eagerly showcased their talents.

Shen Lanxi laughed. “From oldest to youngest, one at a time.”

The eldest among them was Shen Emei.

“Your Majesty Auntie, I know staff techniques. Father says his skills were taught by you.”

Shen Lanxi immediately had someone prepare a short staff for Emei.

True to expectations, Shen Emei’s movements were precise and practiced, clearly the result of regular training.

“Excellent! Today, those who perform well will be richly rewarded!”

“I will reward little Emei with a staff forged from fine steel, tailored to her size by the Ministry of Works.”

Hearing that she would receive a gift, Shen Emei was overjoyed.

“Thank you, Your Majesty Auntie!”

Next was Shen Chengfeng.

“Your Majesty Auntie, I can do martial arts!” Little Chengfeng performed his forms steadily and seriously.

“Well done. Chengfeng has a calm nature, much like his father!”

Hu Jinyu smiled softly. Her son had always been mature for his age; he would surely grow into a responsible man.

“I’ll have the craftsmen from Peach Blossom Valley make a pair of boxing gloves for little Chengfeng so his hands are protected when he practices.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty Auntie!”

The slightly younger children recited poetry together, and Shen Lanxi likewise rewarded them.

As the family banquet neared its end, Shen Lanxi had already arranged several large carts of gifts in advance, bringing carriages into the palace to escort the elderly, weak, and children safely out.

Observant people took note, and the next day matchmakers came to propose for Shen Yuanxin.

“The second son of the Marquis of Qingyuan, three years younger than Miss Yuanxin, will take the official examinations this year. The Marquis and his wife said that if after marriage they don’t wish to live together, separate residences can be arranged.”

“There’s also the illegitimate son of the Marquis of Southwest, about the same age as Miss Yuanxin. The Marquis and his wife promised to treat the previous two children as their own. After marriage, Miss Yuanxin can manage the household.”

“The legitimate son of the Deputy Magistrate of the Capital. He lost his wife last year, leaving a daughter. After marrying, Miss Yuanxin would become the lady of the house. Most importantly, he’s young, talented, and handsome.”

“The second son of a family with a Taixue (Imperial Academy) doctorate…”

The matchmaker had only recited half the cards when the old matriarch stopped him.

“Take a sip of water and rest!”

With so many proposals, she would be exhausted if she listened to them all.

“Old Matriarch, these are all highly sought-after young men in Chang’an, of appropriate age and appearance. Their families… while not as illustrious as yours, when selecting a husband for your daughter, you can’t just look at family background, right?”

Polite words were on the surface; everyone knew the truth. Were it not for the emperor’s influence, a divorced woman with two children could only dream of marrying into such families.

Everyone was aware of the intentions behind these families—they wanted to leverage the marriage to attach themselves to the royal clan, smoothing their own careers.

Precisely because of this, the old matriarch would not act carelessly.

She had already suffered embarrassment once; she would not allow it a second time.

“We’ll keep the proposals at our residence. Go home and wait for news.”

In ordinary families, the matchmaker would demand a fee—but the Shen family dared not. Besides, the potential benefits from the groom’s side had already been provided.

In this era, boldness prospers while caution starves. Others feared the new emperor’s authority and dared not act; she would take the risk to seize the advantage.

The matchmaker left happily. The old matriarch then called all the daughters-in-law to review the proposals together.

Shen Yuanxin naturally heard the news. She intended to go to the front hall to inquire when she saw Shen Yuantang approaching.

“Sister.” Shen Yuanxin happily greeted her, but saw her smiling faintly, almost mockingly.

Her quick steps slowed, and she stopped.

“Shen Yuanxin, I am the royal consort recorded on the imperial jade register. The emperor has not agreed to my divorce from Zhou Ruyuan.”

A shameless woman dares to call herself my sister? Does she think a little pretense in Jichuan makes us close?

Shen Yuanxin’s expression changed, her eyes wary of Shen Yuantang.

“Sister, I befriended you because I appreciated your efforts in Jichuan.”

Before she could finish, Shen Yuantang interrupted.

“No need. I saved you only because you are Shen family. If someone bullied you, it would bring shame to me, the royal consort.”

Shen Yuanxin looked guarded, unwilling even to pretend in front of her.

“No matter the reason, you did go to Jichuan. We are all descendants of the main branch, the same father. If outsiders learn that the Shen family isn’t as united as it appears, who knows what gossip will spread?”

Even while in Jichuan, Shen Yuanxin had kept track of events in the capital.

She hadn’t been idle since returning and already knew the family’s situation.

As descendants of the Shen family, no one was more noble than another.

Shen Yuantang looked at Shen Yuanxin coldly, her voice filled with danger.

“Are you threatening me?”

Shen Yuanxin’s tone held no respect: “No, I’m simply stating the truth. If you intend to act, first consider who sits on the dragon throne. Even the elders at home dare not intervene—do you want to test your limits?”